Hanger Bearing Coupling With Flex Hubs For Misalignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hanger bearing couplings face challenges in preventing the intrusion of abrasive materials and accommodating small angular misalignments between shaft sections, leading to premature failure and alignment issues in severe operating conditions.
Innovation Solution
A hanger bearing coupling design featuring a bearing with inner and outer flex hubs, seal spacers, and resilient coupling rings that allow up to 5 degrees of misalignment and provide enhanced sealing to prevent foreign material intrusion, using a puzzle-lug mechanism to manage torque and misalignment limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional rigid coupling is used to connect two shafts, then the alignment between shaft sections is maintained, but small angular misalignments cannot be accommodated leading to premature failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible hubs with resilient elements (such as rubber or elastomeric materials) that can deform to accommodate angular misalignments between shafts. The flexible hub acts as a compliant coupling element that absorbs misalignment stresses while protecting the bearing from damage, thus extending bearing life without requiring perfect shaft alignment.
2Reliability
If the bearing housing is left open to allow shaft connection, then the coupling can be assembled, but abrasive foreign materials can intrude into the bearing causing premature failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces seal spacers as intermediary components that create a barrier between the bearing housing and the external environment. These seal spacers, positioned at the interface between the bearing housing and coupling components, prevent abrasive materials from entering the bearing while still allowing for proper assembly and disassembly of the coupling.
3Reliability
If seal spacers are added to seal the bearing housing, then foreign material intrusion is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seal spacers in the patent serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide sealing to prevent foreign material intrusion, act as locating features for assembly, and provide structural support for the coupling components. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while still achieving improved bearing protection.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design effectively extends bearing life by minimizing foreign material intrusion and accommodating small angular misalignments, ensuring reliable operation under severe conditions by providing resilient cushioning and superior sealing.
Implementation Method 1
an outer flex hub resiliently mounted to the inner flex hub; wherein the inner flex hub resiliently coupled to the outer flex hub such that misalignment up to five degrees between hub assemblies is tolerated without damaging the coupling
Implementation Method 2
the bearing mounted between seal spacers separating the bearing from each hub assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A hanger bearing coupling includes a bearing for supporting a shaft, the bearing including an inner race mounted onto the shaft, the bearing mounted between at least two hub assemblies mounted one on either side of the bearing on the shaft; and a hanger including an opening for receiving the bearing there through for operably connecting the bearing to the hanger. Each hub assembly including an inner flex hub mounted to the shaft and an outer flex hub resiliently mounted to the inner flex hub wherein the outer flex hubs are adapted to connect to tubular shafts which may be longitudinally misaligned.